Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
